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Stihl 361 vs. 390

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Woodsrover the saw I messed with was an early model 029. The newer models are probably better as far as taking apart and reassembling, but the one I had was crap. WAY too many wide thread screws going into plastic, it was obvious this was was never intended to be taken apart once it left the factory. Also WAY too many parts had to come off just to access the jug for my taste.

Of course if you could put that mess back together in an hour you certainly have more experience than I with rebuilding saws.
 
I can:


If you are serious, or even think you might be in the future about cutting, spend the $100, otherwise it will cost a lot more to fix a bad purchase.
If you or you're freinds have a pro saw of that size, buy the 361. If they don't, and you don't think you ever will, get the 390. If you are a weekend warrior, or just cutting wood for youre self and not going into production, the 390 is a fine saw. I know tree pros that love it, I loved it until I got ahold of a pro saw the same size, it wasn't fair!
Also, the 390 is like a 5 year saw, the 361 is like the 10 year saw, just some more things to weigh the desicion procces:hmm3grin2orange:

A few years have gone by and the 361 seems to be hard to find...lol
any thoughts on the MS 362 C-M?
Also looking at the MS461...
Which one would do better as an "all-in-one"?
I rarely have anything over 30" to cut.
 
A few years have gone by and the 361 seems to be hard to find...lol
any thoughts on the MS 362 C-M?
Also looking at the MS461...
Which one would do better as an "all-in-one"?
I rarely have anything over 30" to cut.

Man a lot of zombie threads coming back from the dead lately!

I have never run a 362 but a lot of guys seem to like them. I do love my 361 in case you stumble across a nice one!

From the sounds of "I rarely have anything over 30" to cut" I wonder if you would be better off with the 461. What type of wood are you cutting? If it's rarely over 30" what is typical?
 
A rash of em lately.

New 60cc saw, I'd go with a 562xp or a 555. But first choice would be a good used 357xp.

I've read some terrible reviews on the 562xp and Husqvarna warranty in general..
is the 357xp much better?
Any recommendations from the STIHL lineup?
 
I've read some terrible reviews on the 562xp and Husqvarna warranty in general..
is the 357xp much better?
Any recommendations from the STIHL lineup?
The 562xp has had a little trouble out of the gate, but seems to be getting the bugs worked out. No real warranty problems if the dealer is any good. I've had a 562 for over 3 years now and not a single problem, most impressive stock saw I've ever run!

The 357xp is just a damn good saw & has been a favorite of mine for years. Simple, old school & dead nuts reliable!
 
Late on this one, been MIA for a while, but yes, I have to agree with the Husky 562 as well. IF you can find a 360, SNAG it, at any price! The 361 isn't far behind, but the 362 is a fat turd! Stihl has really dropped the ball and it saddens me to say that, but they are going to really have to get on it to catch up to what Husky is putting out now.
 
The 357xp is just a damn good saw & has been a favorite of mine for years. Simple, old school & dead nuts reliable!

Almost sounds like an Echo:)

155-jpg.389386
 
It pains me to admit this, after years of bashing them, but since Echo bought out Shindaiwa, they really are producing some decent stuff for the money.

OK, let me duck and run now.
 
Really happy with my 362 w 20 or 24" bar. Last few years it gets used more than the 441. Have an excellent stihl dealer, no husky dealer that's worth a crap close by.
 
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